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Archive for the ‘Republicans’ Category

A Life of Service and Principle In Memory of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II

Saturday, October 25th, 2025

A Life of Service and Principle

In Memory of Ambassador J. William Middendorf II

Dear Fellow Republicans,

It is with deep sadness and profound respect that we share the passing of an icon in American public service and a proud son of Rhode Island,

Ambassador J. William Middendorf II,

Ambassador Middendorf, who was 101 years old, was more than a diplomat, naval officer, or public servant, he was the embodiment of what it means to dedicate one’s life to country, faith, and principle. Through decades of service, from the battlefields of World War II to the halls of diplomacy and the highest offices of government, he carried himself with a quiet strength and unwavering integrity that inspired all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His impact reached far beyond the positions he held. He represented a generation of Republicans who believed that service was not about titles or applause, but about stewardship, sacrifice, and duty, doing what is right for the nation and for future generations. His intellect, humility, and patriotism set a standard that remains as relevant today as ever.

For those of us here in Rhode Island, Ambassador Middendorf’s legacy is personal. He never forgot where he came from, and he remained deeply connected to our state and to the principles that make America exceptional. His wisdom and perspective were gifts to all who sought them, and his example reminds us that leadership is about courage, conviction, and character, not convenience.

As we reflect on his life, let us also be reminded of our own responsibility, to lead with integrity, to serve with purpose, and to carry forward the values that Ambassador Middendorf so faithfully represented. His century of life was a testament to the enduring strength of American ideals and to the power of one person’s steady hand in shaping history for the better.

On behalf of the Rhode Island Republican Party, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Middendorf family and our gratitude for sharing him with us for so many years. His legacy will endure in the work we continue, the country he served, and the state he loved.

 

May God bless Ambassador Middendorf and the nation he served so honorably.

With respect and remembrance,

Joe Powers

Chairman, Republican Party of Rhode Island

🕊 “A life well-lived in service to others leaves a legacy that time cannot erase.”

Iowa’s Congressional Delegation Sends a Letter to Senator Schumer

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2025

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Chairman Joe Powers Slams ‘No Kings’ Protests as Political Theater: “Stop Being a Useful Idiot” 

Saturday, October 18th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 18, 2025

 

Chairman Joe Powers Slams ‘No Kings’ Protests as Political Theater: “Stop Being a Useful Idiot” 

Warwick, RI: “The so-called “No Kings” protests sweeping the country aren’t about democracy, they’re about distraction.

Let’s get something straight, we don’t have kings in America. We have laws. We have checks and balances. And we have citizens who should know better than to be played like pawns by the political left.

These protests aren’t spontaneous, they’re stage-managed by national activist groups that thrive on outrage. It’s not civic engagement, it’s political theater dressed up as virtue.

Here’s the real question: what if all these protestors and their well-funded sponsors put this much energy into helping the homeless, supporting veterans, or fixing our broken education system? America would be a better place overnight.

Instead, we’ve got people marching with pre-printed signs and pre-scripted outrage, believing they’re part of a movement when in reality, they’re just part of someone else’s marketing campaign.

To everyone out there shouting into the wind, stop being a useful idiot. Think for yourself. Ask who benefits from your outrage. Then get to work solving real problems instead of posing for cameras.

We believe in freedom, responsibility, and results not slogans and stunts. As Ronald Reagan once said, “We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”

It’s time to stop shouting about imaginary kings and start helping real Americans.”

Chairman Powers Blasts Democrats Over Shutdown Standoff

Wednesday, October 15th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 15, 2025

Chairman Powers Blasts Democrats Over Shutdown Standoff

Warwick, RI: “Make no mistake, this government shutdown is owned…lock, stock, and barrel by the Democrats. Period. Anyone who tells you otherwise…is lying!

For years, Democrats like Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Senator Jack Reed have perfected the art of pointing fingers anywhere but at themselves. But this time, there’s nowhere to hide. While Republicans control the White House, the Senate, and the House, the reality is simple, without cooperation from Democrats in the Senate, critical funding bills don’t move. That’s how our system works. Anyone in elected office who doesn’t understand that or lies to their constituents about how it works should enroll in a basic civics course or should resign from their seat immediately.

President Donald Trump has already taken decisive action to keep essential services afloat. By leveraging tariff revenues, his administration is ensuring that federal employees receive pay and that vital programs like WIC remain funded, proving once again that Republican leadership solves problems while Democrats manufacture crises.

The American people deserve leaders who govern, not grandstand. This shutdown is a deliberate political stunt by Democrats, designed to score points at the expense of working families. Rhode Islanders see through it, and so do we.

As Attorney General Bondi said, I wish the Democrats loved Americans as much as they hate Pres. Trump. I can only imagine how much we could accomplish. It’s time for Senators Whitehouse, Reed, and their Democrat colleagues to stop the games and reopen the government they chose to close.”

Congratulations and Thank You, President Trump!

Monday, October 13th, 2025

Fundraiser!

Wednesday, September 24th, 2025

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Prayers and Vigil for Charlie Kirk

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

 

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REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RHODE ISLAND STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF TURNING POINT USA’S CHARLIE KIRK

Thursday, September 11th, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 11, 2025

Contact: communications@ri.gop

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF RHODE ISLAND STATEMENT ON THE ASSASSINATION OF TURNING POINT USA’S CHARLIE KIRK

“Charlie Kirk was first and foremost a father, a husband, a brother, and a son. He was also a powerful voice for the conservative youth of America. His loss leaves a gaping void in a decade-long fight to restore traditional values to our nation and to the American family.

To those who would relish in this tragedy or cheer the silencing of a man who built a movement, shame on you. From elected officials who have carelessly stoked hatred to social media influencers who glorify violence, the fingerprints of yesterday’s horrific act are not invisible. We will not let the world forget who helped fuel this climate where political assassinations are now becoming reality.

As Republicans, as Americans, and as human beings, our prayers are with Charlie’s wife, Erika, their two beautiful children, and his parents. We also pray for the law enforcement officers who now shoulder the heavy responsibility of bringing every person tied to this attack to justice.

This is a dark day for our movement and our country. But we will not be silenced.”

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN JOE POWERS ON HASBRO’S DEPARTURE FROM RHODE ISLAND

Monday, September 8th, 2025

For Immediate Release

Contact: communications@ri.gop

September 8, 2025

STATEMENT FROM CHAIRMAN JOE POWERS ON HASBRO’S DEPARTURE FROM RHODE ISLAND

Warwick, RI — “Today’s announcement that Hasbro, a company that has proudly called Rhode Island home since 1923, will move its global headquarters to Massachusetts is not just disappointing, it is devastating,” said Rhode Island Republican Party Chairman Joe Powers. “For more than a century, Hasbro has been a cornerstone of our economy and our identity. To see them pack up and leave is a damning indictment of the state of affairs in Rhode Island.”

Powers continued, “Let’s be clear about why this is happening. Rhode Island has ranked at or near the very bottom in national surveys on business climate, economy, and trust in government. CNBC’s most recent rankings put us 46th, an embarrassment for a state with so much potential. Businesses large and small are suffocated by high taxes, endless mandates, and a hostile regulatory environment. The message from Hasbro’s decision is loud and clear, Rhode Island is not a place where businesses can thrive.”

Turning to the policies coming out of Smith Hill, Powers did not hold back saying,  “Instead of addressing these real economic problems, our leaders remain fixated on pushing a so-called ‘green agenda’ that is not green at all. These projects are killing our waters, harming marine life, and lining the pockets of a select few who benefit politically and financially. They are green only for those pushing the agenda, not for the people of Rhode Island. Meanwhile, our economy continues to stagnate, and now, we have lost one of our most iconic employers.”

Powers concluded, “This isn’t just about Hasbro—it’s about every family, every worker, and every small business owner who is paying the price for failed leadership. Rhode Island can either wake up and chart a new course, or we will keep watching more jobs, more opportunity, and more of our future leave us behind.”

Statement from Senate Minority Leader Jessica de la Cruz

Monday, August 25th, 2025

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